Power forward: Lauri Markkanen
What he’s done well
It is very difficult to come up with what third-year power forward Lauri Markkanen actually did well for the Chicago Bulls so far. But Markkanen is getting to the free-throw line more often, which is a good sign for his driving ability, and defending slightly better. If he keeps on this pace, this will be the first time in Markkanen’s career that he is in the positive for defensive box plus/minus rating.
How to use him different
Oh, where to start for Markkanen and the Bulls at the start of the regular season?
Markkanen is one of the most disappointing young and promising players not just on the Bulls, but in the entire NBA so far this season. It seems like the options are running thin for Markkanen, but it is becoming clear that he’s not ever going to be a primary or secondary ball handler. Creating his own shots isn’t his forte. Let his fellow big man and partner in crime facilitate for him.
He’s averaging 13.3 points per game, 7.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, on 34.9 percent shooting from the field and 28.2 percent from three-point range. His per game, shooting, and advanced numbers are all down from last season almost across the board. Really anything that Boylen could do different for Markkanen is worth a try at this point.
Backup power forward: Thaddeus Young/Daniel Gafford
There should only be two candidates that Boylen considers for minutes at the four right now. Gafford and Young are both solid situational pieces for him to utilize at the four.